Step 1: Locate the incoming water service line The incoming water service line is typically found in the basement, main floor, or crawlspace of your house or business. The pipe can come up from the floor, as shown in the image to the right, or it can also come out of the side wall. Your shut-off valve and water meter are typically installed on this line after the point of entry. Step 2: Identify a testing area and conduct the inspection of your water service line To conduct the inspection properly you will need a penny (preferably somewhat shiny), a magnet, and a key, flathead screwdriver, quarter, or some other hard metal material with which you can scratch the surface of the pipe. Once you have located your incoming water service line, use your hard metal object and scratch the surface of the pipe between the shut-off valve and the point of entry. DO NOT use a knife, and be very careful not to puncture a hole in the pipe. You merely want to scratch the surface of it. After scratching the surface, compare the color of the pipe to the penny, and attempt to stick the magnet to the pipe. Step 3: Use your test results to identify the material of the pipe The Scratch Test After performing the scratch test, if the color of the pipe matches the penny, then your pipe is a copper material. If the pipe is a silver or grey color, try to determine whether or not it is shiny. If the pipe becomes shiny after being scratched, then it is likely a lead pipe. If the color remains a dull grey than it is likely a galvanized steel pipe. The Magnet test Regardless of color, just to be safe, attempt to stick a magnet to the pipe. A magnet will not stick to a copper or lead pipe. If the magnet sticks to your water service pipe, then your pipe is likely made of galvanized steel. The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time.
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